Posts Tagged ‘Christmas Cheer’
November 10th, 2009
Was Santa Claus Invented by Coca Cola? the True History
C A Mc Craw asked:
The true story of Santa Claus remains one of the biggest mysteries of all time. Stories and legends of this jolly, red-clad symbol of kindness and Christmas cheer have been passed around for centuries in countries all over the world. Some believe Santa Clause has his roots in Christianity while some believe that he was really based on the mythological god, Odin. Others think that he was invented by the Coca Cola companies in the early 1900s to sell more pop.
Below are a few different explanations for the history of Santa Clause.
Early Christianity One story of Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas as he is often referred to, says that he was a Christian bishop named Saint Nicholas of Maya. As this account has it, Saint Nicholas was a bishop who gave wedding dowries to poor women, allowing them to catch husbands and avoid lives of prostitution. This Saint Nicholas can still be seen on German holy cards.
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands In Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, Santa Claus is thought to be based on the Norse god Odin (or Woden), god of wisdom, war and death. Legend was that Odin would throw a party around Christmastime for other gods and dead warriors, and that he would ride to the party on his horse, Slepnir. Children in these countries leave straw, carrots or sugar in their shoes for Odins flying horse, which are replaced with treats or gifts during the night.
Austria and Italy Early folk tales in southern Austria and northwest Italy tell of a holy man who reforms a hideous child-eating monster. As the story goes, there was a large demon, covered in furs (known as Belsnickle, or Furry Nicholas ) that snuck into homes at night to kill village children violently and stuff them up the chimney, or drag them away to be eaten later. A saint traps the demon with magic shackles, forcing him to bring the children toys and candy instead, to make up for how many of them he ate. In some stories, the demon persuades imps and other creatures to help him, similar to Santas elves, and in others, he chooses to go back to Hell instead.
Britain The Brits rendition of Santa Claus, dating back to the 17th Century, is most similar to ours. Santa, or Father Christmas, was a bearded man in a green, fur-lined robe, that starred in the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol, as the Ghost of Christmas Present no pun intended.
Early America America, called the melting pot of modern civilization, is also the melting pot of Santa Claus mythology. British, Dutch and early American influences came together to give us the Santa Claus that most of us are familiar with today: the jolly old man, distributing gifts yearly with the help of his entourage of elves and reindeer. The Coca Cola/Santa Claus myth stems from when companies in the early 1900s, like White Rock Beverages and Coca Cola began using Santas image to promote their productsand of course, his distinctive red and white colors didnt help dispel the rumor.
The only thing were really sure of is that Santa Claus was not invented by Coca Cola, as the urban legend states. But no matter where the real Santa hails from, what he stands for remains the same throughout every country: kindness, goodness and the generous, giving spirit associated with Christmas.
Source: www.wikipedia.com
Joselyn
The true story of Santa Claus remains one of the biggest mysteries of all time. Stories and legends of this jolly, red-clad symbol of kindness and Christmas cheer have been passed around for centuries in countries all over the world. Some believe Santa Clause has his roots in Christianity while some believe that he was really based on the mythological god, Odin. Others think that he was invented by the Coca Cola companies in the early 1900s to sell more pop.
Below are a few different explanations for the history of Santa Clause.
Early Christianity One story of Santa Claus, or St. Nicholas as he is often referred to, says that he was a Christian bishop named Saint Nicholas of Maya. As this account has it, Saint Nicholas was a bishop who gave wedding dowries to poor women, allowing them to catch husbands and avoid lives of prostitution. This Saint Nicholas can still be seen on German holy cards.
Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands In Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, Santa Claus is thought to be based on the Norse god Odin (or Woden), god of wisdom, war and death. Legend was that Odin would throw a party around Christmastime for other gods and dead warriors, and that he would ride to the party on his horse, Slepnir. Children in these countries leave straw, carrots or sugar in their shoes for Odins flying horse, which are replaced with treats or gifts during the night.
Austria and Italy Early folk tales in southern Austria and northwest Italy tell of a holy man who reforms a hideous child-eating monster. As the story goes, there was a large demon, covered in furs (known as Belsnickle, or Furry Nicholas ) that snuck into homes at night to kill village children violently and stuff them up the chimney, or drag them away to be eaten later. A saint traps the demon with magic shackles, forcing him to bring the children toys and candy instead, to make up for how many of them he ate. In some stories, the demon persuades imps and other creatures to help him, similar to Santas elves, and in others, he chooses to go back to Hell instead.
Britain The Brits rendition of Santa Claus, dating back to the 17th Century, is most similar to ours. Santa, or Father Christmas, was a bearded man in a green, fur-lined robe, that starred in the Charles Dickens story, A Christmas Carol, as the Ghost of Christmas Present no pun intended.
Early America America, called the melting pot of modern civilization, is also the melting pot of Santa Claus mythology. British, Dutch and early American influences came together to give us the Santa Claus that most of us are familiar with today: the jolly old man, distributing gifts yearly with the help of his entourage of elves and reindeer. The Coca Cola/Santa Claus myth stems from when companies in the early 1900s, like White Rock Beverages and Coca Cola began using Santas image to promote their productsand of course, his distinctive red and white colors didnt help dispel the rumor.
The only thing were really sure of is that Santa Claus was not invented by Coca Cola, as the urban legend states. But no matter where the real Santa hails from, what he stands for remains the same throughout every country: kindness, goodness and the generous, giving spirit associated with Christmas.
Source: www.wikipedia.com
Joselyn
Tips to Select a Suitable Santa Clause Costumes
Ho! Ho! Ho! Merry Christmas! Christmas is a favorite winter celebration that is time for traditions such as parties, baking cookies, trimming the tree, decorating the house, and family gathering. This big celebration is enjoyed by both children and adults. Many people are dressing up for Christmas parties and this awakens the Christmas spirit and spreading Christmas cheer to you as well as others.
The most famous costume for Christmas season is a Santa Clause suit, which kids love to be around with during Christmas. If you are planning to dress up as Santa Clause for local school Christmas fairs, fancy dress party or any Christmas party, there are four tips that can help you to enhance your Santa appearance. (These tips are great for lady Santa too!)
Tip 1: Shopping checklist
Santa accessories that you will need include black belt, red stocking cap, glasses, red sweat suits and shirt, white glove, glue, jingles bells, laundry bag, lipstick, cotton swabs and fake bears. You can get all these accessories and costumes through online store we recommend.
Tip 2: Identify the Usage of Santa Suit
If you are going to display Santa Clause away from your audience, you can go for a simple type of Santa suit with beard and gift sack. However, if the Santa suit serves for the purpose to interact close to your audience, you need to spend a little time on the detail of the costumes. If you are going to be in Santa costumes for longer period, make sure it is flexible for you to remove and put on easily. The beard and wig should be realistic to get the overall outlook to become more convincing.
Tip 3: Budget on Santa Suit
How much are you willing to spend for your Santa suit? The prices vary base on the quality of the fabric and other material used to make the suit. For instance, zipper Jacket is more expensive than the one with pullover jacket because with zipper jacket, it is always easy to wear, take off and washable. Before you start shopping, browse an online store that offers variety of costumes matching with make up and accessories that you can customize accordingly. A standard set of Santa suit includes suit attach with belt loops, pants, hats, vinyl boot with plus cuffs, white glove and black belt with silver buckle. Santa belly costumes are also available for your selection. You can even add on wigs, makeup, and fake cigarettes with complete fake smoke to project an interesting Santa character.
Tip 4: Character of Santa Clause
Before dressing up as a Santa Clause, you need to understand the character of Santa Clause. Santa Clause is well known for his rosy cheeks. You can apply pink blusher on your nose and cheeks that is in roses or cherry color. In addition, Santa has a happy personality and loves to say ‘Ho! Ho! Ho!”
Getting a full set of Santa Clause costume is not hard as long as you find the right place to buy all you need. Early preparation is always wise for Christmas party celebration. Santa Suit is definitely the perfect addition to any holiday wardrobe.
Katelin